Tree mortality in France has roughly doubled over the past 10 years [1].
The surge in tree deaths threatens forest biodiversity and the ability of woodlands to sequester carbon, which is critical for meeting climate goals.
Research conducted by the Institut national de l'information géographique et forestière (IGN) and the Laboratoire des sciences du climat et de l'environnement (LSCE) indicates a sharp rise in natural tree deaths. While data collection began in 2008, the most pronounced increase occurred between 2015 and 2023 [2].
Experts said this trend is due to a combination of seasonal climate anomalies and the rise of bio-agressors, which are pests that attack weakened trees [1], [2]. These environmental stressors leave forests more vulnerable to infestation and disease.
The impact is not uniform across the country. The eastern region of France has been especially affected, with notable losses observed in the forest of Haye near Nancy [3].
The study suggests that the interaction between erratic weather patterns and pest pressure creates a compounding effect. As climate anomalies weaken the trees, bio-agressors can more easily penetrate their natural defenses, leading to the observed spike in mortality rates [2].
“Tree mortality in France has roughly doubled over the past 10 years”
The doubling of tree mortality indicates that French forests are reaching a tipping point where they can no longer adapt to the pace of climate change. This shift from stable carbon sinks to areas of high decay could accelerate local warming and necessitate a complete overhaul of national reforestation strategies to favor more resilient species.
